U.S. patent number 7,930,404 [Application Number 11/180,551] was granted by the patent office on 2011-04-19 for cross-system log in a distributed system environment.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SAP AG. Invention is credited to Cristina Ferro, Olivier Ficatier, Uwe E. Fischer, Axel Haury, Robert Lang, Gordon Muehl, Ebru Polat, Lutz Rosenpflanzer, Jochen Schmitt, Bernhard Suchanek, Alexandra Suchanek, legal representative.
United States Patent |
7,930,404 |
Ferro , et al. |
April 19, 2011 |
Cross-system log in a distributed system environment
Abstract
Embodiments consistent with the invention provide a
computer-implemented method for providing a cross-system log in a
distributed computer system environment having multiple computer
systems. The method comprises electronically receiving data in a
first system, the data including cross-system characteristics of a
cross-system activity originating from a second computing system,
electronically storing the data, electronically receiving a request
to access the data, and electronically providing the requested
data.
Inventors: |
Ferro; Cristina
(Villeneuve-Loubet, FR), Fischer; Uwe E. (Karlsruha,
DE), Ficatier; Olivier (Nice, FR), Haury;
Axel (Le Cannet, FR), Muehl; Gordon (Oestringen,
DE), Polat; Ebru (Antibes, FR),
Rosenpflanzer; Lutz (Valbonne, FR), Schmitt;
Jochen (Antibes, FR), Lang; Robert (Wiesloch,
DE), Suchanek; Bernhard (Baden Baden, DE),
Suchanek, legal representative; Alexandra (Baden Baden,
DE) |
Assignee: |
SAP AG (Walldorf,
DE)
|
Family
ID: |
35311395 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/180,551 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20060206612 A1 |
Sep 14, 2006 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Mar 9, 2005 [EP] |
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05 290 532 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/227; 709/249;
705/1.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
11/3476 (20130101); G06F 11/3495 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
15/16 (20060101); G06F 13/42 (20060101); G06Q
10/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Etienne; Ario
Assistant Examiner: Shiu; Ho
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A computer-implemented method for providing a cross-system log
in a distributed computer system environment having multiple
computer systems, the method comprising: electronically
transmitting an identifier, associated with a cross-system activity
between a first system and a second system and comprising
information including at least one update originating from a least
one change in at least one service provided by the first system, an
identity of the event that caused the at least one change, a time
stamp of the cross-system activity, an identity of the at least one
service, and identification data associated with a user that
initiated the at least one change, from the first system to the
second system, wherein at least one of the first system and second
system provides the other system with a resource for completing a
task, and the cross-system activity is generated upon a change in
the resource; electronically storing the identifier in the first
system and the second system; electronically receiving data in a
third system, the data including cross-system characteristics of
the cross-system activity and the identifier; electronically
storing the data in the third system; electronically receiving a
request, at the third system, to access the data; and
electronically providing, by the third system, the requested
data.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifier is a globally
unique identifier.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically storing the data
comprises storing the data in a database.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the cross-system activity
resulted from a change initiated by a user.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically receiving a
request comprises receiving the request over a network.
6. A computer-implemented method for transmitting cross-system data
for use in a cross-system log in a distributed computer system
environment having multiple computer systems, the method
comprising: electronically transmitting an identifier, associated
with a cross-system activity between a first system and a second
system and comprising information including at least one update
originating from a least one change in at least one service
provided by the first system, an identity of the event that caused
the at least one change, a time stamp of the cross-system activity,
an identity of the at least one service, and identification data
associated with a user that initiated the at least one change, from
the first system to the second system, wherein at least one of the
first system and second system provides the other system with a
resource for completing a task, and the cross-system activity is
generated upon a change in the resource; electronically storing the
identifier in the first system and the second system;
electronically acquiring data at a third system including
cross-system characteristics of the cross-system activity and the
identifier, wherein the activity affects at least one of the first
system and the second system; and electronically transmitting, by
the third system, the data for storage in the cross-system log.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein: the cross-system activity
resulted from a change initiated by a user.
8. A computer program product tangibly embodied in a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium, the computer program product
including instructions for execution by a processor to perform a
method for providing a cross-system log in a distributed computer
system environment having multiple computer systems, the method
comprising: electronically transmitting an identifier, associated
with a cross-system activity between a first system and a second
system and comprising information including at least one update
originating from a least one change in at least one service
provided by the first system, an identity of the event that caused
the at least one change, a time stamp of the cross-system activity,
an identity of the at least one service, and identification data
associated with a user that initiated the at least one change, from
the first system to the second system, wherein at least one of the
first system and second system provides the other system with a
resource for completing a task, and the cross-system activity is
generated upon a change in the resource; electronically storing the
identifier in the first system and the second system;
electronically receiving data in a third system, the data including
cross-system characteristics of the cross-system activity and the
identifier; electronically storing the data in the third system;
electronically receiving a request, at the third system, to access
the data; and electronically providing, by the third system, the
requested data.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the identifier is a globally
unique identifier.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein electronically storing the data
comprises storing the data in a database.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein: the cross-system activity
resulted from a change initiated by a user.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein electronically receiving a
request comprises receiving the request over a network.
13. A system for providing a cross-system log in a distributed
computer system environment having multiple computer systems, the
system comprising: a component for electronically transmitting an
identifier, associated with a cross-system activity between a first
system and a second system and comprising information including at
least one update originating from a least one change in at least
one service provided by the first system, an identity of the event
that caused the at least one change, a time stamp of the
cross-system activity, an identity of the at least one service, and
identification data associated with a user that initiated the at
least one change, from the first system to the second system,
wherein at least one of the first system and second system provides
the other system with a resource for completing a task, and the
cross-system activity is generated upon a change in the resource; a
component for electronically storing the identifier in the first
system and the second system; a component for electronically
receiving data in a third system, the data including cross-system
characteristics of the cross-system activity and the identifier; a
component for electronically storing the data in the third system;
a component for electronically receiving a request, at the third
system, to access the data; and a component for electronically
providing, by the third system, the requested data.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the identifier is a globally
unique identifier.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the component for
electronically storing the data comprises storing the data in a
database.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein: the cross-system activity
resulted from a change initiated by a user.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the component for
electronically receiving a request comprises receiving the request
over a network.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to data logging, and, more
particularly, to systems and methods for cross-system data logging
in distributed system environments.
BACKGROUND
Distributed systems have become commonplace in today's
ever-expanding global computing environment. Distributed systems
provide a collection of independent systems that process tasks on
multiple systems in such a way that system boundaries appear
transparent to the user. That is, it appears to the user that all
the processing is performed on the user's local system. Today's
distributed systems also provide local logging of activities that
occur on each independent system to provide, for example,
performance measurement of the distributed system or
troubleshooting of the distributed system in the event of
processing errors, etc. However, many activities in a distributed
system environment affect more than one system. Such activities are
known as "cross-system" activities. Examples of cross-system
activities include changes in services provided by the multiple
systems or changes in software libraries or application program
interfaces provided by the multiple systems.
Logging is also performed for such cross-system activities. In
current distributed system environments, log entries for a
cross-system activity are made in local logs. However, these local
logs do not record the cross-system characteristics of the
activity. For example, these local logs do not record data
specifying the system on which these cross-system activities
originated, nor do they record the cause of the "log-worthy"
activity. As a consequence, today's systems fail to provide full
characterization of cross-system activities.
Therefore, there is a need in the art of distributed systems to
provide logging of cross-system characteristics of cross-system
activities and events.
SUMMARY
Accordingly, embodiments consistent with the present invention may
relate to cross-system logging in distributed system environments
and methods that may alleviate one or more of the limitations or
disadvantages existing in the related art.
Embodiments consistent with the invention provide a
computer-implemented method for providing a cross-system log in a
distributed computer system environment having multiple computer
systems. The method comprises electronically receiving data in a
first system, the data including cross-system characteristics of a
cross-system activity originating from a second computing system,
electronically storing the data, electronically receiving a request
to access the data, and electronically providing the requested
data.
Embodiments consistent with the invention also provide a
computer-implemented method for transmitting cross-system data for
use in a cross-system log in a distributed computer system
environment having multiple computer systems. The method comprises
electronically acquiring data at a first system including
cross-system characteristics of a cross-system activity, wherein
the activity affects a second system within the distributed system
environment and electronically transmitting the data for storage in
the cross-system log.
Embodiments consistent with another aspect of the invention provide
a computer program product including instructions for execution by
a processor to perform a method for providing a cross-system log in
a distributed computer system environment having multiple computer
systems. The method comprises electronically receiving data in a
first system, the data including cross-system characteristics of a
cross-system activity originating from a second computing system,
electronically storing the data, electronically receiving a request
to access the data, and electronically providing the requested
data.
Embodiments consistent with yet another aspect of the invention
provide a computer system for providing a cross-system log in a
distributed computer system environment having multiple computer
systems. The system comprises a component for electronically
receiving data in a first system, the data including cross-system
characteristics of a cross-system activity originating from a
second computing system, a component for electronically storing the
data, a component for electronically receiving a request to access
the data, and a component for electronically providing the
requested data.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and
explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments
consistent with the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system environment in which
features consistent with the present invention may be
implemented;
FIG. 2 is an exemplary software architecture for maintaining a
cross-system log for distributed system environments, consistent
with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an exemplary flowchart for maintaining a cross-system log
for distributed system environments, consistent with the principles
of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is an exemplary distributed system, consistent with the
principles of the present invention.
DEFINITIONS
As used in the description herein, "business object" refers to a
collection of data that may belong together from a business point
of view. For example, a "sales" business object could include
marketing data, sales data, vendor data, etc. or a "product"
business object could include dimensions, weight, units of measure,
standard price, global trade number, etc. Similarly, a "business
partner" business object could include address, bank account
number, payment card information, etc. or a "sales order" business
object could include pricing, ordering customer, dead line, etc.
"Local change document" refers to a local log for logging changes
to business objects.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments
consistent with the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying
drawings. While several exemplary embodiments and features of the
invention are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and
other implementations are possible, without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. For example, substitutions,
additions, or modifications may be made to the components
illustrated in the drawings, and the exemplary methods described
herein may be modified by substituting, reordering or, adding steps
to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed
description does not limit the invention.
Embodiments consistent with the present invention are directed to
systems, methods, and computer-readable media for cross-system
logging. Embodiments consistent with the invention may be
implemented in various environments, including computer-based
environments, such as personal computers, workstations, servers,
laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones,
handheld devices, and other computing devices, workstation,
networked and other computing-based environments with one or more
users. The present invention, however, is not limited to such
examples and embodiments consistent the invention may be
implemented with other platforms and in other environments.
By way of example, embodiments consistent with the invention may be
implemented using conventional personal computers (PCs), desktops,
hand-held devices, multiprocessor computers, pen computers,
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics devices,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal mobile computing
devices, mobile phones, portable or stationary personal computers,
palmtop computers or the like.
The storage media referred to herein symbolize elements that
temporarily or permanently store data and instructions. Although
storage functions may be provided as part of a computer, memory
functions can also be implemented in a network, processors (e.g.,
cache, register), or elsewhere. Various types of storage mediums
can be used to implement features of the invention, such as a
read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a memory
with other access options. Further, memory functions may be
physically implemented by computer-readable media, such as, for
example: (a) magnetic media, like a hard disk, a floppy disk, a
magnetic disk, a tape, or a cassette tape; (b) optical media, like
an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM), or a digital versatile disk
(DVD); (c) semiconductor media, like DRAM, SRAM, EPROM, EEPROM,
memory stick, and/or by any other media, like paper.
Embodiments consistent with the invention may also include computer
program products that are stored in a computer-readable medium or
transmitted using a carrier, such as an electronic carrier signal
communicated across a network between computers or other devices.
In addition to transmitting carrier signals, network environments
may be provided to link or connect components in the disclosed
systems. Networking environments are commonplace in offices,
enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet
(i.e., the World Wide Web). The network may be a wired or a
wireless network. To name a few network implementations, the
network may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide
area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), an infrared (IR) link,
a radio link, such as a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
(UMTS), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division
Multiple Access (CDMA), or a satellite link.
Transmission protocols and data formats are also known, such as,
for example transmission control protocol/internet protocol
(TCP/IP), hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP), secure HTTP,
wireless application protocol, unique resource locator (URL),
unique resource identifier (URI), hyper text markup language
(HTML), extensible markup language (XML), extensible hyper text
markup language (XHTML), wireless application markup language
(WML), Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), etc. Such
features may be utilized to implement embodiments consistent with
the present invention, as disclosed herein.
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media, consistent with the
present invention, may enable more robust auditing and
troubleshooting of distributed systems. Consequently, systems,
methods, and computer readable media, consistent with the present
invention, log cross-system characteristics of cross-system
activities and allow access to such information as may be needed.
More specifically, systems, methods, and computer readable media,
consistent with the present invention, transfer cross-system
characteristics of a log-worthy activity or event to a central
repository and enable access to the data stored at the central
repository by any person or machine that may require such
access.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system environment 100 in which
embodiments consistent with the present invention may be
implemented. As illustrated in FIG. 1, system 100 includes a
computing platform 110, an input module 120, an output module 130,
a memory 135, and a cross-system log database 140. Computing
platform 110 is adapted to process input information received from
input module 120. Computing platform 110 is further adapted to
provide output information to output module 130. Additionally,
computing platform 110 is adapted to access information in
cross-system log database 140 for use in performing methods
consistent with the present invention (discussed below).
Computing platform 110 may comprise a general purpose computer
(e.g., a personal computer, network computer, server, or mainframe
computer) having a processor that may be selectively activated or
reconfigured by a computer program to perform one or more methods
consistent with the present invention. Computing platform 110 may
also be implemented in a distributed network. Alternatively,
computing platform 110 may be specially constructed for
carrying-out methods consistent with the present invention.
Input module 120 may include an input device 122 and/or a network
interface 126. Input device 122 may be implemented using a
keyboard, mouse, speech recognition device, or data entering
devices. Network interface 126 may receive information over any
type of network (not shown), such as a telephony-based network
(e.g., PBX or POTS), a local area network, a wide area network, a
dedicated intranet, and/or the Internet. Computing platform 110 may
also access data stored on storage device 124. Storage device 124
may include a memory, such as RAM or ROM memory that contains
instructions or data for performing one or more methods consistent
with the present invention.
In maintaining cross-system log database 140, input module 120 may
be used to request computing platform 110 to output information
regarding the data stored in cross-system log database 140. Such
requests may originate from, for example, an employee or network
engineer via input device 122 or another computing system via
network interface 126. Computing platform 110 may then output the
requested information via output module 130.
Output module 130 may include a printer 132, an output interface
134, and/or a display 136. Printer 132 may be used to provide a
printout of cross-system data to interested parties. Output
interface 134 may be used to provide the cross-system data to the
interested parties via the Internet, email, fax, or page, or may
save the information on a computer readable medium. Output
interface 134 may also be used to request more detailed
cross-system characteristics information from other computing
systems within the distributed system environment (discussed
below). Display 136 may be used to provide the cross-system data to
the interested parties visually.
FIG. 2 shows memory 135 in more detail. Memory 135 contains
instructions in program 137, which, when executed, perform the
functions of system 100. When performing logging functions, program
137 may contain instructions in the form of software modules
137a-137g. These software modules can be written using any known
programming language, such as ABAP, XML, etc. Graphical UI module
137a may provide a graphical user interface to display cross-system
log data. Graphical UI module 137a may also be used as a portal for
graphical content when the user interfaces of client components
need to be incorporated. Transmitter module 137b can be used to
request the transfer of cross-system log data from the client to
server (i.e., system 100), either as part of a change message
(discussed below) or on request. Request module 137c can be used to
periodically request log information from clients (discussed
below). Receipt module 137d receives log data and transfers them to
Log Data Manager module 137f. Verification Manager module 137e can
be used to verify that the cross-system log data is consistent. Log
Data Manager module 137f may be used to administer the persistency
of the cross-system log data. Log Data Manager module 137f may also
include an application program interface to provide data access.
Web Service Access module 137g may be used to provide access to the
cross-system log data from remote locations.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a process for
maintaining a cross-system log for distributed system environments,
consistent with the principles of the present invention. Although
the steps of the flowchart are described in a particular order, one
skilled in the art will appreciate that these steps may be
performed in a modified or different order. Further, one or more of
the steps in FIG. 3 may be performed concurrently or in
parallel.
First, computing platform 110 electronically receives data
including cross-system characteristics of a cross-system activity
originating from another computing system within a distributed
system environment (Step S.10). In some embodiments, cross-system
activities may include any manipulation of a business object in one
system, if the manipulation is transferred to another system. For
example, a cross-system activity can include modification of an
application program interface provided by a first system and used
by other systems. Another example of a cross-system activity may
include the reservation of available meeting rooms by different
departments in an organization, such as an accounting or sales
department. In an embodiment of such a reservation service, local
copies of the list of room bookings may be kept in systems located
in the different departments. In this embodiment, a cross-system
activity is generated when a new reservation is entered in one of
the systems located in the different departments and all the local
copies of the list of room bookings need to be updated.
In yet another example of a cross-system activity, a business
partner may be both a customer and vendor from the point of view of
a company. A cross-system activity may be generated when there is a
change in address of the business partner which is noticed and
entered by one department in an organization and is then
communicated from the department to another department of the
organization.
In yet another example of a cross-system activity, some time after
having opened an account, a bank customer may ask for a loan. In
order to do so, a cross-system activity may be generated to send
the customer's personal data from an account computer system to a
loan computer system.
Cross-system characteristics information may include data regarding
the time the cross-system activity occurred, the identity of the
system from which the cross-system activity originated, the
identity of a business object that caused the cross-system
activity, etc.
As an example, FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary distributed system
400 that may comprise multiple computer systems, such as for
example, a first system 410 and a second system 420 (as clients)
and system 100 (as a server), connected through any known kind of
network 430. First system 410 can be any computing system used to
perform distributed tasks consistent with embodiments of the
invention. For example, first system 410 may provide a
word-processing service to local users and make this service
available to other users interacting with other computing systems
of distributed system 400, such as second system 420 and system
100.
Second system 420 can also be any computing system used to perform
any distributed tasks, consistent with embodiments of the
invention. For example, second system 420 may provide a dictionary
service to local users and also make this service available to
other users interacting with other computing systems of distributed
system 400, such as first system 410 and system 100. An advantage
of such a system is that second system 420 may also provide a
word-processing service to a user at second system 420 without the
user realizing that second system 420 is employing the
word-processing service provided by first system 410. The computer
systems, such as first system 410, second system 420, and system
100, could be located at any convenient location, such as at
different departments of a company, at different companies,
etc.
In one embodiment, a skilled artisan would appreciate that each one
of the computing systems of distributed system 400 could maintain a
record of services offered by the other computing systems of
distributed system 400 by using any well-known process of record
maintenance, such as a list. For example, in one embodiment, second
system 420 could maintain a list of services available on first
system 410, such as the word-processing service.
In this embodiment, activities or events that occur on any of the
computing systems of distributed system 400 may have cross-system
effects. For example, a change in services offered by first system
410 may have effects on second system 420 in that the list
maintained by second system 420 may need to be updated to reflect
the change in services offered by first system 410. As discussed
above, data logging systems available today may provide local logs
to be used on computing platforms, such as first system 410 and
second system 420. These logs can enable the logging of local
events or activities that may occur on these computing platforms
locally. For example, if there had been a change in services
offered by first system 410 and a message was sent to second system
to update the list maintained by second system 420, local
characteristics of this change or update could be recorded in the
local logs maintained by first system 410 and second system 420.
However, the information stored in these local logs would not
include cross-system characteristics of the activities and events
that caused such logging. For example, the information stored in
the local log of second system 420 in response to the updating of
services provided by first system 410, would not include
information such as that the updates originated from a change in
services provided in first system 410, the identity of task or
event on first system 410 that caused the change in services, the
identity of a user that initiated such changes, etc. Embodiments
consistent with the invention may provide such information.
For example, if the computing systems that make up the distributed
system environments contain local logging systems, then the local
logging systems can transmit cross-linking information containing
data such as the identity of the originating system of the
cross-system activity and a timestamp for the cross-system activity
to system 100. In the example discussed above, when a change in
services offered on first system 410 is initiated, if first system
410 contained a local logging system, then the local logging system
could transmit the cross-linking information to system 100 for
logging. Subsequently, this logged cross-linking information could
be accessed to obtain more detailed cross-system characteristics of
the cross-system activity if required (discussed below).
On the other hand, globally unique identifiers (GUIDS) may be
assigned to the cross-system activities and stored in the local
logging systems. For example, in the example discussed above, when
a change in services offered on first system 410 is initiated, the
local logging system of first system 410 can generate a GUID for
the cross-system activity. In this case, when first system 410
sends a message to second system 420 to notify second system 420 of
the change in services, first system 410 also transmits the GUID of
the cross-system activity. Subsequently, this information is stored
by the local logging systems of first system 410 and second system
420. Thereafter, the local logging system of first system 410 and
second system 420 can be periodically monitored in order to
correlate the logging of the cross-system activity in second system
420 with that of first system 410 and make a corresponding entry to
cross-system log database 140.
Alternatively, more detailed cross-system characteristics
information could be transmitted to system 100 such that local
logging systems may not be necessary. For example, if the services
offered by first system 410 are changed, the application used to
make such changes could transmit more detailed cross-system
characteristics information, as required, to system 100. In
addition to cross-linking information as discussed above, the
application could also transmit information regarding the user that
initiated such changes, the identity of the application, the
identity of the task or event that caused such changes, etc. This
more detailed cross-system activity could be transmitted
synchronously or asynchronously and in near-time or queued.
Alternatively, no cross-system characteristics information may be
transferred to system 100. In that case, system 100 can
periodically monitor client systems, such as first system 410 and
second system 420, and request the cross-system linking and/or more
detailed cross-system characteristics information from the client
systems.
In another embodiment, changes to business objects could be
transmitted to system 100 for logging. For example, if the
computing systems that make up the distributed system environments
contain local change documents, then the local logging systems can
transmit change messages containing data such as the identity of
the origin of the cross-system activity and the identity of the
business object that changed to system 100. For example, in
reference to FIG. 4, a vendor, that maintains first system 410, may
provide a product and/or service to a company that maintains second
system 420. Additionally, an application running on second system
420 may require access to a sales business object that referenced
data related to the vendor (e.g., prices of services offered by the
vendor or specifications for products offered by the vendor, etc).
If changes are made to the vendor data maintained by a vendor
business object in first system 410, then the sales business object
would be updated to reflect the changes. Local characteristics of
these changes or updates could be recorded in the local change
documents maintained by first system 410 and second system 420.
However, as discussed above, the information stored in these local
change documents would not include cross-system characteristics of
the activities and events that caused such logging. For example,
the information stored in the local change document of second
system 420, in response to the updating of vendor data by first
system 410, would not include information such as notification that
the updates originated from a change in vendor data in first system
410, the identity of the vendor business object on first system 410
that caused the change in vendor data, the identity of a user that
initiated such changes, etc. Embodiments consistent with the
invention may provide such information.
For example, in the example discussed above, when a change in a
vendor business object in first system 410 is initiated, if first
system 410 contained a local change document, then the local
logging system would transmit a change message to system 100 for
logging. Subsequently, this logged change message could be accessed
to get more detailed cross-system characteristics of the
cross-system activity if required (discussed below).
On the other hand, GUIDS may be assigned to the cross-system
activities and stored in the local logging systems. For example, in
the example discussed above, when a change in the vendor business
object in first system 410 is initiated, the local logging system
of first system 410 can generate a GUID for the cross-system
activity. In this case, when first system 410 sends a message to
second system 420 to notify second system 420 of the change in the
vendor business object, first system 410 also transmits the GUID of
the cross-system activity. Subsequently, this information is stored
by the local logging systems of first system 410 and second system
420. Thereafter, the local logging system of first system 410 and
second system 420 can be periodically monitored in order to
correlate the logging of the cross-system activity in second system
420 with that of first system 410 and make a corresponding entry to
cross-system log database 140.
Alternatively, more detailed cross-system characteristics
information could be transmitted to system 100 such that local
logging systems may not be necessary. For example, if a change
occurs in the vendor business object of first system 410, the
application used to make such changes could transmit more detailed
cross-system characteristics information, as required, to system
100. For example, in addition to the change message as discussed
above, the application could also transmit information identifying
the user that initiated such changes, the identity of the
application, the identity of the task or event that caused such
changes, etc. This more detailed cross-system activity could be
transmitted synchronously or asynchronously and in near-time or
queued.
Alternatively, no cross-system characteristics information may be
transferred to system 100. In that case, system 100 can
periodically monitor client systems, such as first system 410 and
second system 420, and request the cross-system linking and/or more
detailed cross-system characteristics information from the client
systems.
Returning to FIG. 3, computing platform 110 next electronically
stores the received data in cross-system log database 140 (step
S.20). Subsequently, computing platform 110 electronically receives
a request locally or over a network from a user or a machine
requesting access to the data (Step S.30). The request may come
from a user or machine performing any business activity that may
require such information, such as an audit, a troubleshooter, a
financial analysis, etc. In response, computing platform 110
electronically provides the requested data to the requesting user
or machine (Step S.40). For example, in reference to FIG. 4, if
first system 410 and second system 420 contain local logging
systems or local change documents, then computing platform 110 may
provide the stored cross-linking information or change message to
the requesting user or machine. In this embodiment, the requesting
user or machine could then use the cross-linking information or
change message to request more detailed information from the
originating system.
Alternatively, computing platform 110 may request more detailed
cross-system characteristics information from the originating
system. For example, if a requesting user or machine desired to
obtain information identifying the user that had initiated the
change in services on first system 410 in the example above,
computing platform 110 could determine, based on the stored
cross-linking information, that the activity has originated on
first system 410. Computing platform 110 may then request first
system 410 to provide information stored in its local log
identifying the user who had initiated the changes. First system
410 then can provide this information to computing platform 110,
for example, by using an application program interface (API)
provided by computing platform 110. Alternatively, first system 410
can display this information locally.
Alternatively, if first system 410 and second system 420 did not
contain local logging systems or local change documents, then
cross-system log database 140 would contain all the requested
information. Computing platform 110 may then provide this
information to the requesting user or machine.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
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